PACKARD ONE-TWENTY

While much of the eastern part of the nation remains locked within winters icy grip, mild weather throughout the southeast has allowed monthly Cars and Coffee meetups to continue throughout much of the Carolinas and extending all the way to Texas. Cars and Coffee Cary (NC) is one event that has continued uninterrupted throughout the colder months despite a pair of snowstorms in Jan. that paralyzed the Raleigh area.

This past Sat., the Cars and Coffee faithful gathered at the upscale Waverly Place shopping center, on a gray, chilly morning. Several hundred drivers and their cars showed up, bringing with them an assortment of antique, classic, performance, and modified rides for display.

The oldest car on the lot was a 1941 Packard One-Twenty. Its owners bought the car on Long Island, NY, and have had it for two months. It underwent a restoration 10 years ago.

Cars and Coffee Cary

Just as it did last month, a McLaren MP4-12C showed up, a two-door convertible that retails for $265,750. Clearly, it was the hit of the show, with dozens gathering around the sports car, sitting inside, or simply admiring its sleek design including its alluring dihedral doors.

Snapping away with liberality, Auto Trends captured dozens of the cars in attendance including the ones pictured here. At the very end of this story, please read up about a new event in Raleigh as well as updated information about two more North Carolina show and tells that begin or return this month.

This 1972 AMC Gremlin was classified as a subcompact car when new. AMC used a variety of engines ranging from a 2.0-liter four to a 5.0-liter V-8.

Every generation of Ford Mustang is well represented, although not always at the same time. Classic and late model steeds alike draw much fan interest.

There are only three registered Yes! sports cars in the entire United States. This orange one made an appearance at Cars and Coffee.

Will we ever see the return of the Chevrolet El Camino?
In many eyes, it represents the ultimate car-truck.

Classic and new sports cars dominate Cars and Coffee. The occasional 1960s era Corvette Stingray will make an appearance.

Most people are familiar with the contemporary Dodge Dart.
This classic edition was in mint condition.

A handful of British models tend to show up including this very good condition
silver Jaguar XJ12C with Michigan plates.

This Porsche 911 GT3 RS needs no introduction. Its orange wheels, side mirror caps, and graphics offer an unusual contrast to the body.

This British pair underscores the way that a hood should be lifted.

One person’s Nissan Skyline is another person’s GT-R. No matter, it was one of the fastest cars to make an appearance this month.

The owner of this 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback has had it for 14 years. Prior to its restoration it was his sons driver while attending the United States Air Force Academy.

All eyes are on this Chevy Bel Air,
a mint condition model that represented 1950s Chevrolet design quite well.

This Volkswagen Golf rally car seems anxious.
Give it a track or a back road and it will strut its stuff.

Dodge Charger and SRT Viper in red: Mopar Madness offers
the same fevered condition as does March Madness.

Cars and Coffee Raleigh

The Cary, NC gathering regularly fills the allotted parking lots, demonstrating strong local interest in automotive meetup events. That has led to the formation of Cars and Coffee at the Raleigh Grande, a monthly gathering that will supplement, but not replace Cars and Coffee Cary.

Beginning on Sat., March 15, 2014, at 4840 Grove Barton Road in northwest Raleigh, display and spectator parking will be available for this monthly show. Auto Trends talked with Dave Marsic, one of the new events organizers, learning that more than 500 display and parking spaces will be available. The concession stand at the Raleigh Grande will be open during the show with attendees invited to take in a movie afterward. You can learn more about the Raleigh event by clicking here.

Cars and Coffee Greensboro (NC) will also resume on March 15 after a four-month break. And Cars and Coffee Charlotte is also back (now meeting on the second Saturday of each month) despite having been canceled following the stupid antics of a few drivers that wrecked it (literally). Visit the Facebook pages of (Greensboro) and (Charlotte) to learn more.